Melbourne Storm’s Pre-Match Ceremony Sparks Debate in NRL’s Indigenous Round The Melbourne Storm’s Acknowledgement of Country ceremony before their win over Brisbane in the NRL’s Indigenous Round has sparked a mixed response from fans and sparked debate about the controversy surrounding Welcome to Country ceremonies.
The ceremony, which was held at AAMI Park, was met with polite applause and has drawn comments from both sides of the debate.
Background to the Controversy The Storm cancelled a planned Welcome to Country ceremony ahead of their Anzac Day clash with South Sydney in April, which caused distress among the Wurundjeri People.
The club later issued a formal apology for the cancellation, which was seen as a significant controversy in the NRL.
The Ceremony and Reaction In a short ceremony, an Acknowledgement of Country was read out over the loudspeaker at AAMI Park as both sides lined up before kick-off.
Elder Aunty Joy Murphy Wandin, who was scheduled to perform the Welcome to Country for the Anzac Day game, released a statement saying she would not work with the club for “any official functions or cultural work” until certain measures are put in place.
Meanwhile, Fox League reporter Jake Duke, a proud Kamilaroi man, expressed his support for Welcome to Country ceremonies, saying they have become “politicised for no reason”.
Club’s Stance and Future Implications The Storm confirmed earlier in the week that an Acknowledgement of Country would be held at AAMI Park before the game against Brisbane.
The club also issued a formal apology for cancelling its planned Welcome to Country for its match against the Rabbitohs on Anzac Day.
The move followed booing at a Welcome to Country ceremony during a Dawn Service at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne earlier that day.
The controversy has sparked a wider debate about the role of Welcome to Country ceremonies in Australian sport and society.